New Ownership Has Brought Both Positive and Negative Changes
Pros
New ownership is embracing technology for everyday job functions (inventory management, cloud sharing, project management software, etc.). There have been efforts to modify products to increase sales and make manufacturing more efficient. The company is a small business with a great team—coworkers genuinely care about one another. The systems manufactured are complex, interesting, and fun to build.
Cons
The President also acts as the HR manager, which means employees lack access to a neutral, confidential resource for sensitive or personal workplace issues. Raises are rare or non-existent, which negatively impacts morale and retention. New employee onboarding is inconsistent due to the lack of a dedicated HR professional. In my opinion, many recent product updates have prioritized cost savings and aesthetics over functionality and customer usability. There has been significant turnover among experienced, talented employees due to stagnant wages and poor working conditions. The President comes from a different industry and is still learning the nuances of the equipment and systems. Management and other staff are frequently expected to meet unrealistic deadlines. Note: These are my personal observations and opinions and may not reflect the experiences of others.